There are two STPs at Tapovan, one with a capacity of 78 MLD (million
litre per day) commissioned in 2003 and the other with a capacity of 52
MLD commissioned in 2010. Sewage is transported from New Ganeshwadi, Old
Ganeshwadi, Takli and Old Kapila pumping stations to the 78-MLD STP for
treatment after which the treated water is released in the river.

The pumping machinery has to be kept on for 24×7 for treating sewage.
This requires regular maintenance of the STP and the work is given on
contract due to lack of staff in the NMC for the purpose.

R K
Pawar, superintending engineer (mechanical) of the NMC’s water supply
department, said that the contract of the present agent was coming to an
end in May. “The contract is awarded through tender for the specific
period. The present contract for operation and maintenance will be
coming to an end on May 27. That is why we have prepared the proposal
for floating fresh tender,” he said.

“The operation and
maintenance of the plant has always been given on contract since the
beginning. The job of the contractor would be to operate and maintain
the plant on a regular basis and generate the required quality of
water,” Pawar added.

Since all the STPs and the 7.5-MLD Old
Kapila sewage pumping station are on the same premises, the mechanical
department has suggested that the same agent be awarded the contract to
save expenses.

Inlet, screen chamber, grit chamber, ten
reactors, aeration lagoon, diffusers, polishing pond, secondary
chlorifiers, chlorine contact tank, 11-KV sub-stations for electricity
supply, sludge pump house, filtrate pump house and big machinery and
units have to be operated and maintained in these plants.